and many more benefits!

GMAT Club Timer Informer

Hi GMATClubber!

Thank you for using the timer!
We noticed you are actually not timing your practice. Click the START button first next time you use the timer.
There are many benefits to timing your practice, including:

Hide Tags

Show Tags

Updated on: 09 Feb 2018, 07:46

I've been very lucky to be admitted to three good schools with scholarship money from all, but now that is leading to a tough final decision.

My current post-MBA goals are in a couple of areas: Corporate/Internal Strategy/General Management (I just don't see myself pursuing the lifestyle of a management consultant) and positions in the Tech industry. There are some overlaps there, but I am also interested in (for example) Corporate Strategy roles at non-Tech companies or product/project management roles at Tech companies.

I visited and enjoyed my time at all of the schools. I don't have much of a location preference short-term, but I do like the idea of having the option to stay in the same city as my MBA program and continue to grow that network after the two years. Additionally being in a larger city will be much easier for my significant other's job. So Emory and USC have advantages there. I don't necessarily see myself in LA long term (e.g. 10 years out), but I would see myself at least trying to stay there for a while after the program. Having said that, I do feel that Tepper is objectively the best program in the mix (rankings-wise) and has an extreme Tech focus. USC seems to do a really good job of having both Corp Strat and Tech options available, whereas Tepper does the best in Tech and Emory has an extremely large Consulting contingent and Atlanta is a great city for business options (and a lot of fun). Emory is cheapest overall with the scholarships taken into account, but it's not a very big difference.

Thanks!

Originally posted by bradpen on 31 Jan 2018, 08:24.
Last edited by bradpen on 09 Feb 2018, 07:46, edited 1 time in total.

Show Tags

I've been very lucky to be admitted to three good schools with scholarship money from all, but now that is leading to a tough final decision. All amounts in the title are scholarships over 2 years.

My current post-MBA goals are in a couple of areas: Corporate/Internal Strategy/General Management (I just don't see myself pursuing the lifestyle of a management consultant) and positions in the Tech industry. There are some overlaps there, but I am also interested in (for example) Corporate Strategy roles at non-Tech companies or product/project management roles at Tech companies.

I visited and enjoyed my time at all of the schools. I don't have much of a location preference short-term, but I do like the idea of having the option to stay in the same city as my MBA program and continue to grow that network after the two years. Additionally being in a larger city will be much easier for my significant other's job. So Emory and USC have advantages there. I don't necessarily see myself in LA long term (e.g. 10 years out), but I would see myself at least trying to stay there for a while after the program. Having said that, I do feel that Tepper is objectively the best program in the mix (rankings-wise) and has an extreme Tech focus. USC seems to do a really good job of having both Corp Strat and Tech options available, whereas Tepper does the best in Tech and Emory has an extremely large Consulting contingent and Atlanta is a great city for business options (and a lot of fun). Emory is cheapest overall with the scholarships taken into account, but it's not a very big difference.

Thanks!

I would go with Marshall given the higher scholarship and its proximity to the tech firms. Also, since you are ok with staying in LA short term, this makes more sense. Difference in rankings of 4-5 places won't mean much.

Show Tags

31 Jan 2018, 17:01

Congratulations on your admits!

I find that people either love LA or they don't. If you don't fall in love with it right away, it will bug you. It took me 3 years to get used to it... Based on your description, Emory was really something that appealed to me. I do like Pittsburgh but Atlanta has more possibilities. Keep in mind you will be competing there with Fuqua and UNC folks - they have a to get a job too! One issue I don't feel comfortable with is on campus recruiting at Marshall - I don't get the sense it is meaningful. I can see Trojan and Undergrad network pulling the BSchool up a bit but playing off the undergrad network is a bit lame.

Overall, you want to make the decision with your significant other. The schools are close enough in their rankings and pros and cons and likely no wrong choice and with life variables, you can make it in all places and come out great. However, if your significant other is unhappy, it will make it a miserable time wherever you are, so whatever decision you make, make sure you really do give a full vote to your spouse and listen to their concerns. You can score major brownie points here too! _________________

Show Tags

07 Feb 2018, 15:14

I'm in almost the exact same boat as you lol except I received Marshall 50k, Tepper 40k, and Foster full-ride. Have you come to your decision yet? I know I will have the best time and probably make the strongest connections at Marshall, learn the most at Tepper, and have the opportunity to take the most entrepreneurial risks at Foster. That being said, I have no idea what I'm going to do.